Detroit Tigers: Top 20 prospects for 2022 – Part One

Detroit Tigers No. 14 Prospect – Dylan Smith – RHP

*College stats

The Detroit Tigers made a concerted effort to add pitching depth to their system in the 2021 draft, and they used their third-round pick (74th overall) on Alabama righty Dylan Smith. Like many of their 2021 draftees, Smith didn’t suit up for any actual pro games, so his scouting report largely remains the same as it was on draft day.

Smith threw just 16.2 innings out of the bullpen as a freshman, and only 6.1 innings in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, but he moved into Alabama’s Friday-night role last year and held his own against some of the best hitters in college baseball. Smith delivers fastballs in the 91-94 MPH range, and his mid-80s slider projects as an above-average offering. His loose, athletic delivery and wiry frame suggest he could throw harder in the near future, and there’s some mid-rotation potential here, but he’ll need to refine his command and find a more consistent third offering.